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I do so love these final weeks of December. I love this time not only because Atlanta tends to slow down a bit – with schools on break, driving seems much less hectic! – but because it is one time when so many of us are united in simultaneously dreaming of next year and reflecting upon the year that has gone by.

This spirit of reflection finds grounding in two incredible holiday celebrations: our own Festival of Hanukkah, a festival that just concluded on Wednesday, and the holiday of Christmas, coming just as we begin this next week ahead. I reflect upon the similarities between these holy days: both days in which adherents cling to light during darker nights, both holidays that find the greatest expression when commemorated with family and friends. Both holidays present unique customs meant to highlight themes of togetherness, of belief and identity; both holy days struggle with over-commercialization that threatens the central idea core to the celebration.

As we celebrate somehow separately and yet still together, may this prayer, adapted from the writings of L. Annie Foerster, offer guidance and inspiration:

Light of Life,

We gather from many traditions and many ways of life to speak with one strong voice – to give thanks and to worship together. Let our prayer be heard, for aren’t we all one family with the same wants and needs? Help us to strive for a healthy planet; to work toward peaceful, loving relationships with all of humankind; to achieve our vision of seeing all people fed in body and nourished in soul, sheltered from the rain and free from unnecessary fears.

Let our prayers be heard, for aren’t we all one family with the same joys and sorrows? Hear our praise of love and beauty; harken to our songs of celebration. Let our efforts be forever intertwined, for aren’t we all one family, gathered together, grateful for the warmth and recognition we find in one another’s hearts and faces?

Let this be our prayer, and our thanks, and our love: Blessed be the joy in our gathering, whether physically together or bound by hopes and dreams for a brighter tomorrow. Blessed indeed be the joy in our gathering. Amen.